Sydney’s Best Events And Festivals You Don’t Want To Miss

Welcome to Sydney—where the days are brighter, the nights are bolder and the calendar can be filled to the brim with amazing events and activities. Buckle up for a whirlwind tour of Sydney’s must-experience events—a tapestry of culture, colour and creativity that will define your year. Whether you're a first-time visitor eager to soak in the magic or a long-time local looking for new things to do, there's always something happening that’ll make you fall head-over-heels in love with Sydney. 

Grab your planner, rally your friends and cross off your dates for an unforgettable year packed with Sydney’s best festivals and events. Forget scrolling on the internet; We’ve got a great summary of what’s on in Sydney, with our top events guaranteed to light up your year.

Sydney New Year’s Eve (December 31)

Kickstart your New Year with a bang! Sydney’s world-famous New Year’s Eve fireworks are an iconic spectacle that lights up the Harbour Bridge and Opera House. As the clock ticks down, the world pauses to watch the city skyline explode into a symphony of fireworks over Sydney Harbour. 

Best Way to Watch Skip the crowds and celebrate aboard a Clearview New Year’s Eve Fireworks cruise. Choose from our selection of New Year’s cruises, including the all-inclusive party packages with delectable food, beverage packages, live entertainment and spectacular fireworks. 

Sydney Festival (January 4-26, 2025)

Every year, Sydney kicks off the year with the ‘Sydney Festival’. The epic festival comes alive for three weeks in January, with city-wide performances by over 1,000 artists, including international headliners. Performances are held all around the city, from Carriageworks to the Riverside Theatre and Sydney Opera House. For a more relaxed time, combine your day of exploring the Sydney festival with a lunch or dinner cruise on Sydney Harbour.

Highlight: Free outdoor performances, avant-garde shows, theatre performances, and mind-blowing art that will inspire you.

Australia Day (January 26)

In Sydney, Australia Day ranges from ferry races on the harbour to live music, cultural events and stunning fireworks displays. It’s a day packed with pride and community spirit.

How To Celebrate: During the day aboard an Australia Day Glass Boat cruise, you’ll get the best views of the daytime ‘Harbourfest’ which includes the Ferrython, 21-Gun Salute, Air Force Roulettes etc. Join the evening cruise to be part of the ‘Australia Day Live’ and the grand fireworks displays.

Mardi Gras - (14 February - 2 March, 2025)

Sydney bursts into colour with Mardi Gras, one of the world’s largest LGBTQIA+ festivals. The parade down Oxford Street is the heart of the event, where glittery costumes and lively performances turn the streets into a rainbow party. This celebration lasts almost three weeks and ends with a bang at the annual parade. People travel from different parts of the world to participate in this inclusive celebration of love, pride and self-expression of this Sydney festival.

Highlight: The world-renowned Mardi Gras Parade, Bondi Beach parties and special comedy nights like ‘Laugh Out Proud’

Sydney Royal Easter Show (April 11-22)

Fancy a slice of quintessential Aussie life? The Royal Easter Show is a beloved tradition that blends agriculture, carnival fun and food. Feed baby animals, ride thrilling coasters and don’t miss out on this year's biggest surprise—the Showbag. Head to a Showbag Pavilion, purchase a Showbag of your choice and stand a chance to win the Golden Ticket (A luxury family cruise).

Family Tip: After a day of fun, hop aboard a family-friendly lunch or dinner cruise to unwind while taking in the beautiful harbour sights.

Vivid Sydney (23 May to 14 June)

Sydney shines brightest during Vivid, a festival of light, music, food and ideas. Landmarks like the Opera House and Harbour Bridge are transformed into glowing canvases, while immersive installations and live performances add to the magic. The Vivid Sydney festival goes on for 23 spectacular days and nights, transforming the city into a dazzling wonderland.

Best Way To Watch: Join a Vivid Sydney Glass Boat Dinner cruise for a luxurious way to see the lights while enjoying a chef’s signature 4-course menu and drinks.

Bastille Festival Sydney (July 14)

Who says you need a plane ticket to visit France? Sydney’s Bastille Festival brings the charm of Paris to The Rocks. Celebrate all things French at the Bastille Festival, where Circular Quay and The Rocks become a Parisian paradise. Say “bonjour” to French culture and delight in French wines, crepes and artisan cheeses while enjoying live music and cinema under the stars. It’s a Parisian escape right in Sydney.

Highlight: A glass boat lunch or dinner cruise on the harbour adds a touch of luxury to your Bastille Festival experience. French it up with a glass of wine as you cruise past the Opera House.

Sydney Fringe Festival (September)

Looking for something offbeat? The Sydney Fringe Festival is your playground. From quirky pop-up stages in Newtown to art exhibits in Marrickville, this festival is perfect for discovering hidden gems. Comedy, cabaret and experimental theatre performances abound, making it one of the most unmissable Sydney events for art lovers.

Best Bet: After a day of exploring Fringe events, book a glass boat dinner cruise to relax and reflect on the creativity you’ve witnessed while enjoying a harbour-side meal.

SXSW Sydney (October 13 to 19, 2025)

The renowned South by Southwest (SXSW) festival is back for round three in Sydney. SXSW Sydney is a melting pot of innovation, creativity and collaboration, spanning music, film, and technology. Expect keynote speeches, film screenings and live gigs that showcase the best of Sydney’s creative scene.

Highlight: The SXSW SYDNEY Screen Festival celebrates creative vision and cutting-edge ideas, spotlighting the best new works from mainstream and independent creators worldwide.

Boxing Day (December 26)

Boxing Day in Sydney means one thing: the thrilling Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race. This thrilling maritime tradition kicks off on Boxing Day as the yachts race out of Sydney Heads bound for Hobart. Be a part of the festivities and watch the impressive vessels flag off from Sydney Harbour.

Where to Watch: There’s no better vantage point than the decks of the Clearview Boxing Day race cruise. Enjoy drinks and cheer the yachts as they battle it out to get ahead and out of the harbour, onward to Hobart.

As you can see, Sydney’s event calendar is bursting with events galore. Whether you’re looking for dazzling fireworks, cultural festivals or a relaxing day on the harbour, Sydney has it all. Make 2025 a year to remember by planning ahead and experiencing these iconic Sydney events!